Fasting And Prayer As Your Spiritual Worship
By Ronnie W. Floyd
The disciplines of prayer and fasting are not reduced to a formula or a hoop that we are to jump through as if we are a kind of spiritual circus. Nor are they physical tests or exercises in mental
discipline. True prayer and fasting are attitudes of the heart and cries of the soul. God's Word has a strong rebuke for those who fast for the wrong reasons or in an improper manner. I have never seen
God respond favorably to prayer and/or fasting based on false pretenses or impure motives.
"Improper reasons/motives in fasting"
Prayer and fasting are improper when a person seeks:
• To fulfill selfish desires and ambitions.
• To attempt to manipulate God.
• To elevate one's status or personal agenda.
• To promote false piety, legalism, or religious duty.
"Improper manners in fasting"
Prayer and fasting are improper when they:
• Draw attention to personal glorification.
• Are attempted without sufficient seriousness and respect.
• Are conducted while intentionally continuing to sin.
• Are conducted while continuing to pursue selfish desires in pleasure and business.
• Are conducted while promoting or continuing injustice, oppression, or impropriety.
• Are conducted without drawing aside daily and dedicating ample time for sincere seeking,
quiet communion, and devoted prayer with God
Let's consecrate ourselves and go deeper in our relationship with God.
